A landslide has hit Odi community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, destroying several buildings and property.
It was gathered that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, with no life lost, took the residents by surprise as the buildings started falling into the River Nun.
Checks indicated that landslides are a common occurrence in the riverine communities of Bayelsa State, which have also resulted in loss of farmlands, buildings, and fishing grounds, among others.
The cause of the Odi landslide was still unknown as at press time although the area had been prone to erosion due to the incidence of the river current on the affected area called Isonbiri.
However, some residents believe that underground running water due to the recent heavy rainfall may have triggered the landslide as the affected area already had steep steps running into the river.
An indigene of Odi community gave thanks to God that the incident occurred in the day and not in the night, thereby averting loss of human lives.
He described the landslide as one of many challenges confronting the community.
“It is one of the many challenges faced by riverine communities. It started at about 7a.m as earth tremor, and two hours later, the ground gave way, causing the houses to collapse. Thank God, no life was lost,” he said.
Tonye Isenah, Chief Whip of Bayelsa State House of Assembly and member-elect for Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency I, an indigene of Odi, paid an unscheduled visit to the affected area.
Isenah expressed concern over the level of destruction caused by river erosion and called on the relevant authorities, including Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency, to come to the aid of the victims.
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